Domenech cautious as trio return

SOCCER/World Cup 2006 qualifying: France coach Raymond Domenech yesterday attempted to restore calm following the jubilation that has swept the country since Zinedine Zidane, Claude Makelele and Lilian Thuram revealed they were returning to international football.

More than 100 journalists attended yesterday's press conference in Paris, reflecting the feel-good factor that has returned to French football in the last week. Domenech duly unveiled his squad for next Wednesday's friendly against the Ivory Coast and there was no surprise to see the names Zidane, Makelele and Thuram back after a one-year absence.

But after expressing his joy at the trio's return, the under-fire coach was keen to remind everyone that France's hopes of World Cup qualification remain very much in the balance. "I want to start by saying I am happy - very happy," Domenech declared. "We hope to qualify for the World Cup and the best way to achieve that is by having our best players available and in the team. We're talking about three guys who play for the biggest clubs in Europe and it's great to have them back. You could say it has been a fruitful summer."

Nevertheless, Les Bleus' precarious position in Group 4 remains unchanged. Three points behind the Republic of Ireland, Domenech knows his newly-strengthened team cannot afford any slip-ups in their last four games, which include trips to Lansdowne Road on September 7th and Berne on October 8th.

"A month ago the feeling in France was one of total pessimism, now it's one of euphoria," Domenech continued. "Three players have come back and apparently we are world champions again and our path to the World Cup is all but assured. Let's not lose sight of reality," he warned.

"We still have a big fight on our hands. I told you at the beginning that our qualification would come down to the last game. You laughed at me then, but you're not laughing anymore. We're on the home straight and we need everyone to club together now."

France's delight at the return of three high-class, experienced players is understandable given the uninspired performances of Domenech's young team last season. Zidane's decision, in particular, has sparked emotional reactions, with Thierry Henry saying: "Everyone knows that God exists and he's returned to the France team. God is back!"

Patrick Vieira, who will hand over the captain's armband to Zidane, added: "It's just unbelievable to have a player of that quality coming back."

Domenech, meanwhile, has been keen to claim credit for talking Zidane out of retirement, even though the 33-year-old said earlier in the week that a conversation he had with "a mysterious presence" at three o'clock in the morning prompted the decision.

Having made several trips to Madrid to meet Zidane last season, the 53-year-old said: "I have done everything necessary over the last year to get these players to come back. A year ago it was impossible because they needed a breather after the disappointment of Euro 2004. But as time has gone on I sensed that their desire to play for France again was getting stronger."

Domenech's next task is to integrate the three players as efficiently as possible without disturbing the equilibrium of the group. Zidane looks certain to return to an attacking central midfield position, while Makelele will play the holding role he fulfils so well at Chelsea, allowing Vieira more attacking freedom. Juventus defender Thuram, who says he is returning because of a sense of obligation, will add his experience to the centre of defence. "They'll give us extra quality and they'll bring a maturity that was lacking previously," said Domenech.

Not everybody has been celebrating this week, though. Vikash Dhorasoo, who is set drop to the bench, refused to give his views on the subject during a television interview, while his Paris St Germain team-mate Jerome Rothen is also disappointed to be moving down the midfield pecking order. Lyon's Benoit Pedretti and Ludovic Giuly of Barcelona, both starters for much of last season, have not even made the squad.

Domenech dismissed the suggestion he was jeopardising the team spirit. "We're just like a club who has made three new signings," he reasoned. "Top players are competing for places with other top players. That's all."